Rights Groups Demand ICE Accountability From Incoming US Congress

A coalition of 18 immigrant rights groups has written to top Democrats, urging the new Congress to push for ICE accountability, question Stephen Miller, and freeze the agency’s funding.

A coalition of 18 immigrant rights organizations has sent a letter to leaders of the incoming US Congress. The letter calls for ICE accountability from officials tied to President Donald Trump’s migration crackdown. The immigrant advocacy group America’s Voice shared the news.

Letter Reaches Top Democrats

The letter went to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and his House counterpart, Hakim Jeffries. It also reached future committee chairs Robert Garcia, Jamie Raskin, Pramila Jayapal, and Maggie Hassan.

“The new Congress now holds real power to rein in ICE and demand accountability for its violent, lawless tactics, and we stand ready to help lawmakers use that power from day one,” said America’s Voice executive director Vanessa Cardenas.

Groups Want Stephen Miller Under Oath

The coalition wants Congress to act fast. It is asking lawmakers to subpoena White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller on day one. They want him under oath, handing over documents on the mass deportation agenda. This step alone would mark a major push toward ICE accountability at the highest level.

Public Hearings And A Funding Freeze

The groups also want public hearings. They are calling on Congress to summon border czar Tom Homan, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and acting ICE director David Venturella. Beyond testimony, the coalition wants new ICE funding frozen. They say Congress should wait for a full accounting of how the agency already spent its money before approving another dollar.

Deaths In Custody Raise Alarm

The letter states that at least 62 people have died in ICE custody under the current administration. US citizens have also died during federal agent operations, the letter adds. The coalition says the push for ICE accountability is not only about safety. They point to economic fallout too, describing a so called “ICE tax” that has driven up prices on everyday goods.

White House Pushes Back

The White House has already warned House Democrats. Officials suggested that investigations into the current administration could cross legal lines.

Trump’s Deportation Drive Explained

Since returning to office, Trump has tightened control over illegal immigration. He later admitted his deportation policy may have gone too far in places. Secretary Mullin, for his part, has said deportations of undocumented migrants will continue. That is true even after Republicans suffered losses in the midterm elections.